Clean-energy tax credit should be extended

Clean, renewable energy, such as wind power, is an important part of our state - creating pollution-free energy and jobs for Iowans. However, a critical tax credit for wind power will expire at the end of this year, putting our environment and clean energy economy at risk.

Thankfully, President Obama has called on Congress to extend this tax credit this summer in order to build a cleaner, healthier future for Americans and grow local economies across the country. On May 24, the president visited a wind turbine blade factory in Newton that employs more than 700 workers, thanks in large part to this tax credit. If the credit is not extended, job-creating clean energy businesses like this one will be less common.

Congress, led by our U.S. senators, Chuck Grassley and Tom Harkin, should move quickly to extend the production tax credit for the sake of our environment, our health and our economy.

Dan Kohler

Environment Iowa

Des Moines